Top pick: #7 (HORATIO) (3-1) - They tried new tactics with this former speedball last out when he was taken off the pace and rallied to finish third here for a $50K tag on June 15th. He was very "rank" and had trouble settling down in the early stages of that contest and should be sharper this afternoon in his seco2nd back from a 2 1/2 month layoff.
2nd pick: #8 (Saltine Warrior) (8-1) - He debuted in the same June 15th race that "Horatio" exits and he showed good early speed while wide and held well to check-in fourth, only a neck back of that common rival. Trainer George Weaver( who has had a fine meet) has worked him twice since and adds blinkers.
3rd pick: #2 (Thnktomyuncle) (5-2) - No speed type has finished second in six of his nine starts, including two straight on this surface. Strong finisher is cutting back in distance and must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #5 (D J's Hope) (6-1) - Colt by "Hook and Ladder" has some early speed, and races today off a two month layoff and with blinkers on. He's taken some betting action several times and finished second in his debut, so you know that he can "fire" fresh.
5th pick: #22 (Hooked Forever) (8-1) - Even paced type has finished third in three of four local starts and could impact here if he avoids a wide trip.